Tennis Zone

Babolat Introduces the Pure Aero Rafa Origin: A Tennis Racquet Tailored to Nadal's Specifications

Even though Rafael Nadal's return to the tennis courts will have to wait until 2024 due to health setbacks, Babolat has an exciting surprise for his legion of fans. Introducing the Pure Aero Rafa Origin, a racquet meticulously crafted to reflect Nadal's personal specs. This includes every aspect of the racquet, such as its weight, balance, technologies, stiffness, lay-up, and even its vibrant aesthetic design. 

The Pure Aero Rafa Origin weighs 317 grams and features a balance of 330mm, leaning towards the top of the head. Sporting an enhanced level of stiffness, the racquet presents a novel set of specifications that differentiates it from the regular Pure Aero collection. The energy-packed design, with an exotic mix of yellow, pink, dark blue, and light blue, was handpicked by Nadal himself, reflecting his vibrant game style and dynamic personality.

Pure Aero Rafa Origin: Engineered for Powerful Spin

Rafael Nadal's unique style is now available to all tennis enthusiasts. He is known for making contact as the ball descends from the top of its bounce, thereby applying a heavy spin from the back of the court. This results in a powerful, explosive shot that keeps his opponents pinned behind the baseline. While Nadal's swing is unique and challenging to replicate, Babolat presents a lighter version, the Pure Aero Rafa 2-gen. It is easier to maneuver, yet it doesn't compromise on maximizing power and spin.

As Eric Babolat, CEO of the French family company, puts it, "Rafa's combination of relentless spin and his tremendous work ethic have been a sight to behold for over 18 years. Now, with the launch of the Pure Aero Rafa Origin, we offer everyone the chance to experience Rafa's principal tool in their own games."

Pure Aero Rafa vs. Regular Pure Aero: Understanding the Difference

The Pure Aero Rafa collection has been specifically developed for players looking to achieve heavy spin, a lethal combination of power and extreme spin. In contrast, the Pure Aero range suits players who prefer strong spin and make contact at the peak of the bounce or slightly after.

Racquets from the Pure Aero Rafa collection boast a higher stiffness (73RA) and a 330mm balance, but what sets the Pure Aero Rafa Origin apart is its weight. At 317g, it's a bit heavier than the Pure Aero Rafa, which weighs just 290g, requiring slightly less strength in the player's arm. The collection also includes a junior racquet with a 26-inch length.

More Than Racquets: The All-New Rafa Collection Bags

Babolat's RAFA collection doesn't stop at racquets. It extends to trendsetting equipment storage solutions. The new bags offer ample storage, are constructed with more durable and waterproof fabric, and feature an optimal center of gravity for improved carrying comfort. 

They can stand upright, allowing easy access to racquets, footwear, and other accessories. Rafa uses a large 12-racquet bag, but there's also a 6-racquet bag for those who prefer something more compact. Plus, keep an eye out for the spacious new backpack launching in the series this December.